Gayatri (Lect, Conv and Letters)

Expressions researched:
"Gayatri"

Notes from the compiler: Vedabase query: Gayatri not "Gayatri mantra"

Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures

Oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi... This is gāyatrī.

Lecture on SB 1.16.23 -- Los Angeles, July 13, 1974:

In this age our activities are all sinful, lower grade. Therefore you cannot expect higher-grade life. That is not possible. Higher grade life you can get. You can go in the higher planetary systems. You can get long duration of life, better comforts, better nice body. There are arrangement. Svargaloka. Bhūr bhuva... Oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi... This is gāyatrī. There are three lokas: bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ. So svaḥ, heavenly, they've no some information, there is heavenly planet. Actually there is. There are... Svargaloka is not so very comfortable. Above the Svargaloka there is Janaloka, Maharloka, Tapoloka, Satyaloka, Brahmaloka, like that, seven lokas.

Mother, Gāyatrī or Veda, Veda-mātā, and the father, the spiritual master. This is another birth.

Lecture on SB 3.26.20 -- Bombay, December 29, 1974:

So ataḥ pumbhir dvija-śreṣṭhāḥ (SB 1.2.13). They addressed the learned brāhmaṇas, dvija-śreṣṭhāḥ. Dvija means twice-born, twice-born: one birth by the father and mother, and the other birth by the spiritual master and spiritual knowledge. Mother, Gāyatrī or Veda, Veda-mātā, and the father, the spiritual master. This is another birth. So the brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, and vaiśyas, they are allowed, especially the brāhmaṇas. Therefore the brāhmaṇas are called dvija-śreṣṭhāḥ.

You have got the Gāyatrī, oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya.

Lecture on SB 7.6.17-18 -- New Vrindaban, July 1, 1976:

Even if we go, ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ punar āvartino 'rjuna... (BG 8.16). It is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, this is Svargaloka. And above that... Bhūr, bhuvaḥ, svaḥ. You have got the Gāyatrī, oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya. There are other higher planets also: Svargaloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, Maharloka, Satyaloka, Brahmaloka. There are fourteen status of different planetary systems. Catur-daśa-bhuvana. And the topmost is the Brahmaloka. So even if you go there, there is no relief. Ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ punar āvartino 'rjuna (BG 8.16). You have to come back again.

We are chanting Gāyatrī, om bhūr bhuvaḥ sva tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi.

Lecture on SB 7.9.8 -- Mayapur, February 15, 1976:

We are chanting Gāyatrī, om bhūr bhuvaḥ sva tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi. These are praising the lokas, different planetary system, of which the sunlight is the chief. Savitur sakala-grahāṇām. He is the chief of all planets.

Initiation Lectures

Gāyatrī, so where is that mantra sheet? Then I'll give you after. That's all.

Initiation of Baradraj and Chandanacarya Dasas -- Boston, May 4, 1969:

Satsvarūpa: Prabhupāda? Is Śāradīyā dāsī going to take the Gāyatrī?

Prabhupāda: Gāyatrī, so where is that mantra sheet? Then I'll give you after. That's all.

Gāyatrī I shall give there.

Initiations and Lecture Sannyasa Initiation of Sudama dasa -- Tokyo, April 30, 1972:

Śyāmasundara: There is one Gāyatrī. You want to give a Gāyatrī now?

Prabhupāda: I will do there.

Devotee (2): Later.

Prabhupāda: Gāyatrī I shall give there.

Śyāmasundara: He'll give later.

1969 Conversations and Morning Walks

Gāyatrī is the origin of Vedic knowledge. Without Gāyatrī, nobody is accepted as competent to study.

Room Conversation with Allen Ginsberg -- May 14, 1969, Columbus, Ohio:

Allen Ginsberg: Do you use Gāyatrī mantra also?

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Allen Ginsberg: I know some of it. Oṁ bhur...

Prabhupāda: Yes. Oṁ bhur bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt. This Gāyatrī, this is called.

Allen Ginsberg: In Bhagavad-gītā Kṛṣṇa says, "Among poetic meters, I am Gāyatrī."

Prabhupāda: Yes. Gāyatrī is the origin of Vedic knowledge. Without Gāyatrī, nobody is accepted as competent to study. That is the beginning, spiritual master, dvija, second birth. First birth by the father and mother, second birth by the spiritual master, father, and mother, Gāyatrī.

Allen Ginsberg: Do you teach Gāyatrī mantra to your disciples also?

Prabhupāda: Yes. Not in the beginning. When they are little advanced.

1972 Conversations and Morning Walks

Fifty?

Room Conversation -- July 4, 1972, New York:

Yadurāṇī: And Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śyāmasundara... (break) About fifty people will be initiated.

Prabhupāda: Fifty?

Yadurāṇī: Fifty, nearly fifty, gāyatrī and both.

Devotee (7): Both, gāyatrī and...

1973 Conversations and Morning Walks

Yes.

Room Conversation with Sanskrit Professor -- August 13, 1973, Paris:

Professor: And they told me also that this morning you had some brahminical initiation to the...

Prabhupāda: Yes, yes, yes.

Professor: ...Gāyatrī.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Professor: How many people?

Prabhupāda: About fifteen.

Professor: That's good. That's good.

Prabhupāda: No, they...

Haṁsadūta: Seven brāhmaṇas and ten first initiates.

Prabhupāda: On the whole, fifteen.

Haṁsadūta: Fifteen, seventeen.

Prabhupāda: Seventeen?

Haṁsadūta: Seventeen.

Prabhupāda: Seventeen.

Gāyatrī, is given. So we are creating brāhmaṇas in the western countries.

Room Conversation with Sanskrit Professor -- August 13, 1973, Paris:

Professor: How many levels of initiation do you have?

Prabhupāda: Two.

Professor: Two. The first...

Prabhupāda: First initiation, experimental...

Professor: Yes.

Prabhupāda: Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. Then, as he practices, becomes more purified, then second initiation. Gāyatrī. Gāyatrī-mantra. But the first initiation, according to Jīva Gosvāmī, that is sufficient. Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, that is sufficient. But still, to purify them more, the second initiation, Gāyatrī, is given. So we are creating brāhmaṇas in the western countries. Yes.

Professor: Yes. I know. Don't you think it's against the dharma-śāstra?

Prabhupāda: No.

Professor: No. Tell me why?

Prabhupāda: Because in the Bhagavad-gītā it is said, cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ (BG 4.13). There is nothing, such thing as janma.

Professor: Oh. Very nice.

1975 Conversations and Morning Walks

We offer gāyatrī to the sun.

Morning Walk -- May 16, 1975, Perth:

Prabhupāda: This "Sunday, Monday," means first sun, then moon. Where they are going? They are going to hell, not in the moon. This Vedic description is right. Because first study, Sunday... That, we offer gāyatrī to the sun. So the moon is after the sun—this is the proof, first Sunday, then Monday. So if their calculation is 93,000,000 miles from here, and moon is (sic:) one million, six thousand still farther, then where they are going? If they simply follow strictly this moon expedition and they admit they have not gone, then the whole civilization will change. All wrong conclusion. But they will have to admit now. Now they are serious, and they will have to say that they've never gone to the moon. And they will have to continue this. Otherwise they will be farce before the world. They will have to continue it. Now they are in such a position.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

Gāyatrī mantra is description of the sun.

Morning Walk -- January 18, 1976, Mayapur:

Madhudviṣa: ...Bhāgavatam you say that we should greet the sun with the verse from Gāyatrī mantra. Does that means we should wait for sunrise to say our Gāyatrī? Just as the sun is rising, we should say the Gāyatrī.

Prabhupāda: No. Early in the morning. (Gurukula boys in background)

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Sometimes we take bath before sunrise and put on tilaka. Should the mantra be said at that time, after putting on tilaka? Or should we wait and then say it...

Prabhupāda: No, no.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: ...when the sun rises? After tilaka?

Prabhupāda: No, no, tilaka should be done after bathing.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: And then when should the Gāyatrī be said? Right after...

Prabhupāda: After tilaka. Gāyatrī mantra is description of the sun.

1968 Correspondence

The third mantra of your Gayatri ceremony was stated wrong.

Letter to Sivananda -- San Francisco 15 September, 1968:

sociation.

The package said to be sent by you is not yet received here. Anyway, I offer all blessings of Krishna onto you and be successful in your noble adventure. I shall be glad to hear from you further, and hoping you are well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. The third mantra of your Gayatri ceremony was stated wrong. It should read as follows: "AIM GURUDEVAYA VIDMAHE KRISHNANANDAYA DHIMAHI TANNAH GURO PRACHODAYAT." In other words, "TANNAH GURO" should be inserted, and "DHIYO YO NAH" should be removed. Please correct as need be.

The meaning of Gayatri mantra is Gayat—Gayat means sin, and tri means deliverance. Gayatri.

Letter to Syama -- Seattle 21 October, 1968:

Regarding your question no. 4, Gayatri mantra means it is chanted by a qualified Brahmin. A devotee of Krishna is understood to have surpassed the stage of becoming qualified Brahmin, so Gayatri mantra can be chanted by qualified Brahmin, and the meaning of Gayatri mantra is Gayat—Gayat means sin, and tri means deliverance. Gayatri. And mantra, man—means mind, tra means deliverance. So the things chanting which one is delivered from the mental platform is called Gayatri mantra, or mantra. So all mantras are like that, but this is the meaning of Gayatri mantra.

1970 Correspondence

The system is that only one who is qualified with Gayatri initiation may directly worship the Deities

Letter to Yamuna -- Los Angeles 2 March, 1970:

Regarding an assistant Pujari, Ilavati may be trained to assist you, but she may not conduct Arcana without being dvija. The system is that only one who is qualified with Gayatri initiation may directly worship the Deities (i.e. bathing, offering bhoga and aratrik, cooking for the Deities, etc.). But she may assist you by helping in all other respects. If for some reason you are unable to perform aratrik, there are other devotees, initiated brahmanas, who can make the offerings there.

You may give them the Gayatri as I have already prescribed

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1970:

I have informed Hamsaduta that the five students in Hamburg who are now ready to receive Gayatri may do so when they visit your London temple during Rathayatra celebration. So I think you know all the procedures by now and you may give them the Gayatri as I have already prescribed by using the tape record of the mantras and performing the fire sacrifice.

The Gayatri is chanted morning, afternoon, and evening. The pujari chants Gayatri at each offering.

Letter to Upendra -- Los Angeles 4 August, 1970:

The Gayatri is chanted morning, afternoon, and evening. The pujari chants Gayatri at each offering.

I have already sent one Gayatri Tape to London and it is being kept safely there.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Bombay 15 November, 1970:

I have already sent one Gayatri Tape to London and it is being kept safely there along with a full set of instructions for performing the ceremony. The mantra is to be heard only by the new initiate (through earphones) and once only. So if you find Natabara, Yogesvara, Indrani and Haripriya properly qualified you may perform the ceremony duly.

1971 Correspondence

Before the ceremony the chief Brahmana chants Gayatri silently.

Letter to Karandhara -- Allahabad 17 January, 1971:

I expect to return very soon via New York, Boston, etc.. Yes, you may perform the ceremony for second initiation for Tulsi das, Krsnakanti, Locana das, Nitai das, Jayatirtha, Karuna Sindhu, Sarola devi, and Maithili devi. The ceremony should be held as usual. Before the ceremony the chief Brahmana chants Gayatri silently. The tape should be played through a set of earphones so that only the initiate hears the mantra. They should hear once only repeating the mantras word by word with the tape record. Devananda says the instructions are there on xerox in a file labelled Prayers, Ceremonies, etc.

The file is in the top drawer of the file cabinet in his small office, so you can get it out and follow the instructions given there.

So if you have got the copy of the Gayatri tape, you may conduct the ceremony according to the instructions.

Letter to Karandhara -- Gorakhpur 15 February, 1971:

I am expecting to return to the States sometime by the end of March, so I think you may inform all the Temple Presidents that prospective initiations may wait until that time. In the meantime, however, if you see fit, you may offer the second initiation to Sriman Yasodanandana Das Brahmacari and encourage him to open a nice center in Quebec. That will be great service and I know he is very enthusiastic devotee. So if you have got the copy of the Gayatri tape, you may conduct the ceremony according to the instructions. If you do not have the full set of instructions, let me know and I will have Devananda write them up for you.

Yes, Mayavati Devi may receive Gayatri initiation.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 11 April, 1971:

I am glad to hear that you are corresponding with Peetabarana Das Adhikari. I never met him but I understand that he is a good painter. So encourage him. My full blessings are there for the marriage of Yugalkishore and Kirtimati Devi (John Morgan and Carol Stibbard), as well as for Meenakatan and Devi Dasi from Miami. Yes, Mayavati Devi may receive Gayatri initiation. I am enclosing herewith Gayatri mantra sheet. You recite it and let her hear, and hold a fire ceremony as well.

So far as Gayatri initiations are concerned, the tape is not required.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:

So far as Gayatri initiations are concerned, the tape is not required. You have the threads, chanted on by me and now I am enclosing herewith copies of Gayatri mantra, one for each of the seven disciples to be initiated. Hold a fire ceremony. Chant Gayatri mantra to them individually and let them hear and repeat. Then offer the threads on my behalf. The fire sacrifice should be performed as usual.

Yes, if you feel that she is qualified, the girl Carol may receive Gayatri initiation also so that she can take up pujari business full time.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Calcutta 26 May, 1971:

As of yet, I have not received the check for $50 for ten tulasi beads. Yes, if you feel that she is qualified, the girl Carol may receive Gayatri initiation also so that she can take up pujari business full time.

Yes, you have my blessings for the gayatri initiations of Jaya Deva Das Brahmacari and your wife Tilaka Devi Dasi.

Letter to Makhanlal -- Los Angeles 14 July, 1971:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter undated and have noted the contents carefully. Yes, you have my blessings for the gayatri initiations of Jaya Deva Das Brahmacari and your wife Tilaka Devi Dasi. I am enclosing herewith a tape of the gayatri mantra chanted by me along with two copies of gayatri mantra and one sacred thread, duly chanted on by me, as well. The process should be that you let each of them hear the tape individually (through earphones). Show them how to chant on the fingers. Let them read the mantra and listen to the tape. Then, on my behalf you can present the sacred thread to Jaya Deva. Then hold a fire Yajna as you have seen done so many times before. If there are any questions about procedure, etc, you can consult with Karandhara and he will instruct you properly.

Hold a fire yajna and give Gayatri to Shatyananda.

Letter to Sudama -- Delhi 20 November, 1971:

As you have recommended, I am sending under separate parcel a set of initiation beads for Randy Prabhu, duly chanted on. His new name shall be Rama Dulal das Brahmacari. I am also sending one copy of Gayatri mantra and sacred thread duly chanted by me to Shatyananda das. Hold a fire yajna and give Gayatri to Shatyananda. If you do not have one, you can get a copy of a tape of me reciting Gayatri mantra from Karandhara. One thing is that the tape should be heard through earphones into the right ear. The fire yajna can be held for both devotees.

One thing, the Gayatri tape must be heard through earphones into the right ear.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Delhi 10 December, 1971:

I gladly consent to accept Surita and Paul Darling as my duly initiated disciples, as recommended by you. Their beads and 1 copy of Gayatri mantra plus one sacred thread, also duly chanted, are sent under separate post. Hold a fire yajna for all three. One thing, the Gayatri tape must be heard through earphones into the right ear. Their names shall be: Surita/ Sunita Dasi/ and Paul/Apurva Das.

1972 Correspondence

Also enclosed is a letter for Srimati Vilasini Devi Dasi and Sitarani Devi Dasi for Gayatri initiation.

Letter to Kaliya Krsna -- San Francisco 8 October, 1972:

Now that you are President of the Detroit Temple, you have very great responsibility to take proper care of all the devotees who are engaged there and are spreading Krsna Consciousness at one of our most important centers. Formerly Bhagavan das was developing this area very nicely, so now that the responsibility is in your hands please continue with enthusiasm more and more. As much as you are sincere to simply serve the mission of the Supreme Lord, then Krsna will give you the intelligence from the heart, have no doubt. I have received the enclosed daksina offering in the amount of $332 and I thank you very very much. Also enclosed is a letter for Srimati Vilasini Devi Dasi and Sitarani Devi Dasi for Gayatri initiation.

If one simply sticks strictly to the rules and regulations, like rising early, chanting 16 rounds, chanting gayatri, keeping always clean—then his enthusiasm will grow more and more.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 December, 1972:

The whole problem is they are not following the regulative principles, that I can detect. Without this, enthusiasm will be lacking. Even mechanically following, and if he gets gradually understanding from the class, he will come to the point of spontaneous enthusiasm. This spontaneous loving devotional service is not so easy matter, but if one simply sticks strictly to the rules and regulations, like rising early, chanting 16 rounds, chanting gayatri, keeping always clean—then his enthusiasm will grow more and more, and if there is also patience and determination, one day he will come to the platform of spontaneous devotion, then his life will be perfect.

1973 Correspondence

Concerning the second initiations for Ojasir das Brahmacari, Smaranananda das Adhikary and his wife Samsaramochan Devi Dasi, that is also approved, and you will find enclosed the Gayatri threads.

Letter to Sukadeva 2 -- Calcutta 29 January, 1973:

Concerning the second initiations for Ojasir das Brahmacari, Smaranananda das Adhikary and his wife Samsaramochan Devi Dasi, that is also approved, and you will find enclosed the Gayatri threads. So hold the fire yajna and for those who are initiated as brahmanas, teach them how to count on the finger divisions, and play the Gayatri mantra tape in their right ear and have them repeat it along with my vibration word for word, then hang sacred thread on his neck as usual. Girls don't require thread but can responsively chant the Gayatri mantra. In each individual case the instruction should be given and the mantra replayed. The giving of the Gayatri mantra can be held after the fire yajna and each devotee can come alone to you to receive the thread.

You may hold one fire ceremony and Shanti dasi may listen to the Gayatri tape in her right ear. Enclosed please find one Gayatri slip for her.

Letter to Nityananda -- Sydney 18 February, 1973:

I am approving of the first initiation of Debra Hillard. However it is not our policy to give first and second initiations at once. It is better she wait some time. Her new name will be DEBRAJA DASI and also I am agreeing to the second initiation of Shanti dasi. Now you please arrange it so that the Deities are worshiped very very properly and always remain humble in their presence.

I am here in Australia and everything is going nicely. I will be returning to India by March 2nd. and then to America by mid-April and I look forward to seeing you again. I hope this finds you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. You may hold one fire ceremony and Shanti dasi may listen to the Gayatri tape in her right ear. Enclosed please find one Gayatri slip for her.

You may give the gayatri mantra to Prsni Garbha dasi by playing the tape of me chanting gayatri into her right ear and explaining the principles of suci.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 23 July, 1973:

You may give the gayatri mantra to Prsni Garbha dasi by playing the tape of me chanting gayatri into her right ear and explaining the principles of suci. Hopes this finds you in good health.

Also enclosed please find the sacred threads for the gayatri initiations of Gopi Kanta das Brahmacari and Yasomatinanda das Brahmacari.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 16 October, 1973:

Also enclosed please find the sacred threads for the gayatri initiations of Gopi Kanta das Brahmacari and Yasomatinanda das Brahmacari. So you can chant on the beads and hold the fire sacrifice amongst the devotees. The mantra should be heard from the tape through the right ear.

Enclosed find one thread duly chanted on by me and two gayatri sheets.

Letter to Gunagrahi -- Los Angeles 6 December, 1973:

Please accept my blessings. I am in receipt of your letter dated December 2, 1973. I hereby accept on your recommendation, Hasyakari Prabhu and his wife Nari devi dasi as my second initiated disciples. Enclosed find one thread duly chanted on by me and two gayatri sheets. You may take instruction from Rupanuga Maharaja on the proper performance of a yajna and the mantra may be heard through the right ear from the cassette tape recording.

Take instruction from Rupanuga Maharaja on how to properly hold the fire sacrifice and have the initiates listen to the gayatri cassette tape through the right ear.

Letter to Mahendra -- Los Angeles 11 December, 1973:

I hereby accept Brahma das and Sukhada dasi for second initiation. Enclosed find one thread and two gayatri mantra sheets. Take instruction from Rupanuga Maharaja on how to properly hold the fire sacrifice and have the initiates listen to the gayatri cassette tape through the right ear.

Enclosed are three threads and six gayatri sheets for the second initiates.

Letter to Govardhan -- LOS ANGELES December 15, 1973:

Please accept my blessings. I hereby accept the devotees you have recommended for first and second initiation. Enclosed are three threads and six gayatri sheets for the second initiates. Hold a fire yajna, after which they may listen to the mantra once through the right ear from the cassette tape I have made.

After that the second initiates may listen to the gayatri tape I have made through the right ear once only.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 23 December, 1973:

I gladly accept the devotees you have recommended for initiations and enclosed find their names, threads and gayatri mantra sheets. You may chant on the beads of the first initiates and hold a fire sacrifice amongst our members. After that the second initiates may listen to the gayatri tape I have made through the right ear once only. Hare Krsna.

1974 Correspondence

Get the tape of me chanting the gayatri and have them hear it in the right ear. This initiation should be taken very seriously, and those who accept it have to prove exemplary or it will become a farce.

Letter to Hasyakari -- Bombay 21 March, 1974:

I am also accepting the following devotees for second initiation: Krpamaya das Brahmacari and Gopinatha devi dasi. I am enclosing one sacred thread and gayatri mantra. Get the tape of me chanting the gayatri and have them hear it in the right ear. This initiation should be taken very seriously, and those who accept it have to prove exemplary or it will become a farce.

I am also enclosing sacred thread and gayatri initiation for the following second initiate recommendations.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 21 March, 1974:

I am also enclosing sacred thread and gayatri initiation for the following second initiate recommendations. Girijadhava das Brahmacari, Kasi ram das Brahmacari, Taraknath das Brahmacari, and Sukra das Brahmacari. Have them hear the tape of the mantra in the right ear. I think you are aware that this second initiation should be taken very gravely and not childishly, so please impress upon them their new obligations.

I am also sending gayatri and sacred thread for Rasikhananda das Brahmacari for his second initiation, and also Gauranga devi dasi.

Letter to Batu Gopala -- Bombay 23 March, 1974:

I am also sending gayatri and sacred thread for Rasikhananda das Brahmacari for his second initiation, and also Gauranga devi dasi.

Have her hear the mantra through the right ear, of me chanting gayatri.

Letter to Bhakti -- Bombay 23 March, 1974:

Please accept my blessings. I have received from you the name of one devotee recommended for second initiation, Santipani devi dasi. So I am enclosing one gayatri mantra. Have her hear the mantra through the right ear, of me chanting gayatri. I have already cautioned you that the second initiation should be given out only when you are certain that the devotee is really following all our principles, so now instruct her further on the seriousness of following the regulative principles of Krsna Consciousness. All the devotees there are in your charge so by your example they will best be encouraged to enthusiastic advancement.

I am enclosing sacred thread for them as well as gayatri. Have them hear the tape of me chanting gayatri through the right ear.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 24 March, 1974:

I have received your recommendation for second initiation for Ram Gopala and Baladeva. das Brahmacaris. I am enclosing sacred thread for them as well as gayatri. Have them hear the tape of me chanting gayatri through the right ear. I will be pleased to hear your latest reports from Gurukula.

I have enclosed sacred thread and gayatri. You were present in Hawaii when I was there and was particularly stressing that the presidents must be very careful on recommending gayatri initiation.

Letter to Sudama -- Rome 26 May, 1974:

Based on their declarations of sincerely following all the prescribed Vaisnava regulations for one year, and on your recommendation, I have accepted Jagat Prabhu das, Praghosa das, Kanva das and Nitai Gauracandra das for second initiation and I have enclosed sacred thread and gayatri. You were present in Hawaii when I was there and was particularly stressing that the presidents must be very careful on recommending gayatri initiation. After all, we are criticizing false cast brahmanas, if we ourselves are bogus brahmanas then our position is very bad. Now that we are more and more trying to implement the varnasrama divisions of society, we should not think that everyone has to become a brahmana. For example you are developing a farm there; so those who work the farm do not necessarily have to be a brahmana if they are not inclined to the brahminical standards. In this way, be careful about awarding the second initiation.

The brahmanas threads and gayatri are enclosed for brahmacaris Hasyapriya, Bopadeva, Dharmaksetra and Anila and the girls Meena Arcana, Pancali, Mulaprakrti, and Mahati devi.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Frankfurt 18 June, 1974:

You may hold a fire yajna and chant on their beads and impress on them they are taking vows before Radha-Krsna, the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas. They must always chant at least 16 rounds daily and avoid the four sinful activities.

The brahmanas threads and gayatri are enclosed for brahmacaris Hasyapriya, Bopadeva, Dharmaksetra and Anila and the girls Meena Arcana, Pancali, Mulaprakrti, and Mahati devi.

1975 Correspondence

Also I have accepted Sajjane Jivana for 2nd initiation. Let her hear the gayatri tape (of myself chanting) through the right ear.

Letter to Gunagrahi -- Melbourne 19 May, 1975:

I accept Sharon Swanson for 1st initiation. Her name is Sandamini. Her beads may be chanted on by Satsvarupa Maharaja. Also I have accepted Sajjane Jivana for 2nd initiation. Let her hear the gayatri tape (of myself chanting) through the right ear. Her mantra sheet is enclosed.

Enclosed is his sanctified gayatri thread and also the mantra sheet.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 12 November, 1975:

Upon your recommendation I am accepting for brahminical initiation Locasvara das. Enclosed is his sanctified gayatri thread and also the mantra sheet. I also accept for initiation Chris Nell and hs spiritual name is Srutisagara das. His beads may be chanted on by Tamala Krsna Gosvami. A fire sacrifice should be held so the brahminical initiate can hear the mantra through the right ear from my recorded tape. You should impress upon them of the responsibility for following the rules and regulations and chanting 16 rounds minimum each day. This will save them from maya.

The sanctified gayatri threads are enclosed and also the mantra sheets.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 20 November, 1975:

I also accept for second initiation Rajendranandanana das, Lokahita dasi. Also from Winnipeg, I accept for second initiation Dharmaprana das, Natha das, Lalita devi dasi and Misrani devi dasi. The sanctified gayatri threads are enclosed and also the mantra sheets.

1976 Correspondence

Play the tape of me chanting Gayatri into the right ears of the second initiates and teach them how to count on their finger divisions.

Letter to Locanananda -- Nellore 5 January, 1976:

Now, hold a fire sacrifice and instruct the devotees to follow strictly the regulative principles and always chant a minimum of 16 rounds. Let Bhagavan dasa chant on their beads. Play the tape of me chanting Gayatri into the right ears of the second initiates and teach them how to count on their finger divisions.

Enclosed please find a copy of gayatri initiation and two brahmana threads.

Letter to Lokanatha -- Detroit 12 June, 1976:

Enclosed please find a copy of gayatri initiation and two brahmana threads. After the yajna, the brahmana initiates should hear the gayatri mantra in the right ear. The devotees must all bear in mind that they are promising to follow the four regulative principles, i.e., no illicit sex-life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating, and also chanting a minimum of 16 rounds of japa daily. This promise is made before the spiritual master, before the Deity, the devotees, Vaisnavas, the Supersoul, and the fire. Everyone should take very seriously this vow and make steady and sure progress in Krishna Consciousness and go back to home, back to Godhead in this lifetime.

After the sacrifice the tape of gayatri should be played in the right ear of the brahmana initiate.

Letter to Radha Sarana -- Washington D.C. 5 July, 1976:

Hold a fire sacrifice and the initiates should refrain from the four pillars of sinful life: no illicit sex, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating. This is very easy when one chants daily their prescribed rounds seriously, at least 16 rounds daily. Enclosed you will also find one brahmana thread and gayatri mantra. After the sacrifice the tape of gayatri should be played in the right ear of the brahmana initiate. To become brahmana one must be clean outside and inside. Outside by regularly bathing and inside by always chanting Hare Krishna. The beads for first initiates can be chanted upon by Hrdayananda Maharaja and they should be given these beads and names at the time of initiation.

Play the tape of me chanting gayatri into the right ear of the second initiates.

Letter to Bahudak -- Vrindaban 27 October, 1976:

Upon your recommendation I will accept the following devotees for first initiation, as well as the ones you have recommended for second initiation. Hold a fire ceremony and instruct the devotees to follow the regulative principles and to chant a minimum of 16 rounds every day. Play the tape of me chanting gayatri into the right ear of the second initiates. Their beads may be chanted on by Ramesvara Maharaja.

The second initiates should hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in their right ear.

Letter to Visvakarma -- Vrindaban 19 November, 1976:

Yes, I will accept these devotees as you have recommended; Jita Kandarpa das and Subuddhi dasi for second initiation and Bhakta Clem for first initiation. His new name is Karatieya dasa. Hold a fire sacrifice. Instruct Karatieya to always follow very strictly the four regulative principles and chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. The second initiates should hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in their right ear. Instruct them how to chant on their finger divisions. Kirtanananda may chant on the beads of the new initiate.

Let the initiates hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear. Teach them how to chant on the finger divisions.

Letter to Adi-kesava, Dhrstadyumna -- Vrindaban 23 November, 1976:

Upon your recommendation I will be pleased to accept Drsya Krsna, Hamsarupa, and Subuddhi Raya for second initiation. Now hold a fire sacrifice for devotees only. Let the initiates hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear. Teach them how to chant on the finger divisions.

Let the second initiate hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear.

Letter to Balarama -- Vrindaban 27 November, 1976:

Let the second initiate hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear. Show him how to count on the finger divisions. Their beads and thread have been duly sanctified by me.

Let the new brahmanas hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in their right ears, and teach them to chant on their finger divisions.

Letter to Vicitravirya -- Hyderabad 10 December, 1976:

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees; Tirthakara das, Mahavidya das, Jagatam dasi, Jagannathaisvare dasi, for second initiation. Now, hold a fire yajna for devotees only. Let the new brahmanas hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in their right ears, and teach them to chant on their finger divisions.

You should play for them into the right ear the tape of me chanting Gayatri.

Letter to Alanatha -- Bombay 23 December, 1976:

For the second initiates, namely Ugraha dasa, Sadhyasrestha dasa, Ananda Murti dasi and Yogini dasi, you should play for them into the right ear the tape of me chanting Gayatri. Teach them how to count on the finger divisions.

1977 Correspondence

Now hold a fire yajna, and play the tape into the right ear of me chanting Gayatri.

Letter to Balarama -- Calcutta 16 January, 1977:

Upon your recommendation, I am happy to accept Nakula dasa Adhikari for second initiation. Now hold a fire yajna, and play the tape into the right ear of me chanting Gayatri. Enclosed please find one sacred thread.

The brahmanas should be explained the qualities of brahminical life and be allowed to hear the gayatri tape in the right ear after the ceremony.

Letter to Bhagavat Asraya -- Mayapur 13 March, 1977:

The brahmanas should be explained the qualities of brahminical life and be allowed to hear the gayatri tape in the right ear after the ceremony. The best way to instruct the initiates is by your own good example.

After the ceremony he should hear the gayatri tape in the right ear.

Letter to Laksmi Narayana -- Bombay 26 March, 1977:

Dugdhapana dasa may also be given his second initiation and you may find his sacred thread duly chanted on enclosed. After the ceremony he should hear the gayatri tape in the right ear. By your good example teach him how to be brahminical.